The lorry driver involved in the fatal crash that killed nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers on Jalan Sungai Manik–Sungai Lampam has been remanded for four days.
Magistrate Naidatul Athirah Azman granted the remand order under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, following an application by Hilir Perak police chief Assistant Commissioner Bakri Zainal Abidin. The order is effective from today until Saturday as investigations continue under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving causing death.
The 45-year-old suspect, dressed in a black shirt and dark blue tracksuit, appeared in court at around 8.50am.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay confirmed that no ketum was found in the lorry and the driver tested negative for drugs. He revealed the suspect had six prior convictions: one each for drug offences and rape, and four for theft. All cases had previously been tried and sentenced in court.
The crash occurred when a lorry carrying stones collided with an FRU truck transporting 15 personnel, killing nine and injuring two others. Preliminary investigations suggest a possible steering wheel failure as the cause of the accident.
Ayob stated that police would investigate the incident from all angles, including claims that the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle. “Police will gather statements and verify all such claims,” he said.